On The Highway

Labor market data sent mixed signals this week, with a strong headline jobs number masking softer details underneath and ADP data revealing a split market. But housing told a different story, with new home sales beating expectations and forecasts pointing to real opportunity for buyers.

Scott Brixen breaks down the April 2026 housing inventory numbers from Realtor.com. Active listings crossed a major milestone nationally this spring, but is that the rebound buyers have been waiting for or just seasonal noise? Scott weighs April against last year and pre-pandemic norms, then gets to the real story of where that inventory actually lives.

In this episode, Scott Brixen breaks down the latest Case-Shiller Home Price Index for February 2026, and the headline number might surprise you. Tune in to find out which cities are heating up, which are cooling down, and what it all means for conversations with your clients.

The Fed held rates steady amid ongoing policy debate, while inflation edged higher driven by rising oil prices. National home values climbed for a seventh consecutive month, underscoring the continued benefits of homeownership. On the construction side, housing starts came in above expectations, though permits pulled back, offering a mixed picture for new supply. Looking ahead, GDP and unemployment figures remain key data points in focus.

Pending home sales showed a modest lift in March, offering a small sign of movement as the market looks for direction, while retail sales came in stronger than expected, helped in part by rising gas prices. At the same time, jobless claims continue to reflect an evolving labor landscape, with underlying shifts in how and where people work still playing out.

In this exclusive webinar, learn from top producers who have refined their messaging and built point-of-sale conversations that are converting in 2026.

The housing market showed a shift in April after several months of building momentum. The MBS Highway Housing Index pulled back, driven largely by a noticeable drop in buyer activity as mortgage rates moved higher. While pricing hasn’t cracked in a meaningful way, demand clearly softened, signaling that the spring surge may not be as strong or as durable as expected. The bigger story here is how sensitive this market remains to rate movement, and what that could mean for the months ahead.

March inflation came in hotter than expected, driven primarily by a surge in energy prices, which pushed headline readings higher and reinforced the volatility we continue to see in key components. At the same time, updated home price forecasts are reinforcing a longer-term theme that often gets overlooked in short-term data swings: homeownership remains a powerful wealth-building tool, especially as values continue to appreciate over time. Against this backdrop, the broader economic picture remains mixed, with GDP and unemployment data offering important signals on the strength and direction of the economy, making it critical to stay focused on both near-term risks and longer-term opportunities.

Case-Shiller data for January shows a slowdown in annual home price growth, but a closer look reveals a more encouraging trend beneath the surface. While year-over-year gains hit their slowest pace since mid-2023, recent monthly data points to stronger momentum that could continue, especially with shifts in mortgage rates. The question now is whether that momentum can hold as broader economic factors begin to change.

A stronger-than-expected jobs report contrasted with other signs of a cooling labor market, creating a mixed picture overall. While the headline jobs data came in strong, underlying details raised questions, and ADP employment figures added to the uncertainty with mixed signals. Additional labor market reports pointed to softer trends, suggesting some cooling beneath the surface. At the same time, home values continued to show resilience, rising for the sixth consecutive month.

Homeownership has always been one of the most powerful ways to build wealth. Even in a shifting market, the long-term opportunity hasn’t changed. Find out why getting in the market matters more than timing it perfectly.

It was a quieter week for economic data, with markets driven more by uncertainty around the conflict in Iran and swings in oil prices. Meanwhile, labor market reports showed some signals on hiring trends, with ADP indicating sluggish job growth and jobless claims hinting at a growing gig economy.

In this exclusive webinar, Highway + The Loan Atlas bring together three faculty members with a combined $3 billion in personal mortgage production to show you exactly how they position programs like non-QM, DSCR, reverse mortgages, and investment property HELOCs to become the lender Realtors call when traditional financing falls apart. You’ll learn how top originators structure complex deals, win more referrals, and become the lender Realtors trust when deals get complicated.

For the second straight meeting, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, though not without internal debate. Housing activity showed mixed signals, with new home sales dropping and builders remaining cautious while pending home sales inched higher, as recent weather disruptions impacted parts of the country. At the same time, wholesale inflation came in hotter than expected alongside updates on unemployment.

In this episode of On the Highway, Scot Gale shares how he broke into the mortgage industry in 2020 and quickly built a purchase-focused business grounded in discipline and continuous learning. Scot credits his growth to showing up consistently for coaching, staying structured in his daily routine, and focusing on relationships over transactions. From supporting agents at open houses to adding value before being asked, his approach is simple. Be present, be reliable, and build real connections. His message is clear. Stop chasing cold leads and start building relationships. That’s what creates long-term success in this business.

The traditional LO playbook is aging out. By 2030, your edge won’t be rates – it’ll be leverage. AI won’t replace loan originators. But LOs who use AI will outperform the ones who don’t. Watch this free masterclass where you’ll learn the systems, structure, and AI workflows top producers will use to dominate the next decade.

The MBS Highway National Housing Index rose 4 points in March 2026, climbing from 43 in February to 47. A year ago, the index stood at 45. The spring seasonal upswing continues to build, with the buyer activity sub-index crossing into expansion territory for the first time since May 2024.

On this episode of On the Highway, Shelly Williams breaks down the latest economic signals impacting housing, including a weaker-than-expected February jobs report, mixed ADP data, and other indicators pointing to a cooling labor market. She also explains why home price forecasts remain strong nationwide and how these trends could create new opportunities for buyers.

Refinance opportunities can appear quickly and disappear just as fast. Missing the window can mean missed savings for your clients and missed volume for your business. In this webinar, The Loan Atlas team walks through how to use Strike Rate to capture refinance opportunities the moment they become available. You’ll learn how to set target rates for your clients and get notified when market rates reach a level where refinancing makes sense – so you can act immediately and confidently.

In this episode of On the Highway, Shelly Williams covers the latest home price data highlighting the value of homeownership, as buyer activity continues to support home values. She also breaks down how wholesale inflation ran hot in January and why that matters for rates, and explains how gig work may be masking labor market strain, showing that unemployment filings don’t tell the full story.

In this episode of On the Highway, Scott Brixen breaks down the December 2025 Case-Shiller Home Price Index and explains why the modest 1.3% year-over-year headline is missing the bigger picture. While much of the media is focused on slowing annual growth, the more meaningful story is that price appreciation is accelerating again as mortgage rates fall.

Last week, the government released delayed reports on home construction, home sales, GDP, and the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, PCE, following last fall’s shutdown. Here’s a look at the key highlights. PCE inflation came in higher than expected. Weather slowed home contract activity. Housing construction picked up, but builders remain cautious. The latest reports also included updates on GDP and unemployment, adding further context to the current economic picture. Listen for the full breakdown on this episode of On The Highway.

The January’s Jobs Report came in strong on the surface, though the underlying details deserve a closer look. Inflation data provided some encouragement, with annual inflation easing to an eight-month low. Existing home sales slowed to start 2026, signaling a softer beginning to the year in housing. The latest data also included updates on consumer spending and unemployment, rounding out a mixed but informative start to the year.

The MBS Highway National Housing Index jumped in February 2026, rising 9 points from January to 43. A year ago, the index stood at 41. Lower mortgage rates and improved affordability are boosting the normal seasonal upswing.

In this episode, we unpack the latest economic signals, with signs that the labor market is cooling while national home price forecasts continue to move higher. We cover delayed jobs data from the government shutdown, a disappointing January private payrolls report after weak 2025 hiring, and broader indicators pointing to softer labor conditions, alongside continued signs of strength in today’s housing market.

In this episode of On the Highway, Scott Brixen breaks down the November 2025 Case-Shiller Home Price Index and explains why the headline year-over-year growth number is missing the real story. While the media is focused on modest annual gains, a deeper look shows that lower mortgage rates are driving renewed price momentum across much of the country.

In this episode, Shelly Williams walks through a week packed with market-moving headlines, including President Trump’s pick of Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair, the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold rates steady at its first meeting of the year with two dissenting votes, and new home price data showing renewed national strength supported by buyer demand. She also breaks down the latest labor and inflation updates and what they may signal for interest rates and the housing market moving forward.

Tim Braheem has spent over 30 years coaching top producers through volatile markets by teaching them how to stay mentally clear, emotionally steady, and consistently effective. In this webinar, he’ll share the mindset frameworks elite originators are using in 2026 to perform under pressure.

In this episode of On the Highway, Luke Carrender shares how he found his way into the mortgage industry in 2017 and why the work continues to matter to him. Coming from a background in finance and bookkeeping, Luke talks about how helping people achieve homeownership gave his career real purpose and long-term direction. Luke explains how he has built his business by focusing on relationships over transactions, staying consistently connected with past clients, and using daily market education to guide confident conversations around rates and timing. He also shares how showing up in person for agent partners, adding value before being asked, and staying service-first naturally led to sustained growth and President’s Club success. Luke remains optimistic about the future of the mortgage industry and is energized by helping clients navigate one of the biggest moments of their lives. --- Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://www.listreports.com/sign-up-free-idp?ref=highwayai_podcast

The Fed’s preferred inflation measure came in as expected, while winter weather and the holidays slowed momentum in signed housing contracts. Here’s a look at the key highlights. • PCE Inflation Data Offers Encouraging Signs • Pending Home Sales Slide • Q3 GDP Surges to Fastest Pace Since 2023 • Claims Data Reflect Low Layoffs, Low Hiring and the Gig Economy Read more: https://www2.highway.ai/blog/january-26-2026-mortgage-market-news Subscribe Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/on-the-highway/id1683229825 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c6tmaGEe8TeWpuegaJsjO?si=cbd418e05902427d Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://www.listreports.com/sign-up-free-idp?ref=highwayai_podcast

Inflation data aligned with expectations in December, while lower interest rates have helped lift home sales. Here’s a look at the key highlights. • Consumer Inflation in Line with Forecasts • Strongest Existing Home Sales in Nearly Three Years • New Home Sales Remain Near Recent High • Additional Economic Takeaways Read more: https://www2.highway.ai/blog/january-20-2026-mortgage-market-news Subscribe Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/on-the-highway/id1683229825 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c6tmaGEe8TeWpuegaJsjO?si=cbd418e05902427d Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://www.listreports.com/sign-up-free-idp?ref=highwayai_podcast

The MBS Highway National Housing Index saw a solid rebound in January 2026, rising 7 points from December to 34. A year ago, the index stood at 36. Lower mortgage rates are beginning to support transaction activity and put modest upward pressure on prices. Read the full index: https://www2.highway.ai/blog/january-2026-mbs-highway-housing-index Subscribe Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/on-the-highway/id1683229825 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c6tmaGEe8TeWpuegaJsjO?si=cbd418e05902427d Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://www.listreports.com/sign-up-free-idp?ref=highwayai_podcast

The labor market continues to show signs of softening, while new home construction lost steam last fall. Here’s a look at the key highlights. • Beneath the Surface of December’s Jobs Report • Private Payrolls Rebound in December, but Miss Forecasts • Broader Data Reinforces a Cooling Labor Market • Housing Starts Fall to Pandemic-Era Lows Read more: https://www2.highway.ai/blog/january-12-2026-mortgage-market-news Subscribe Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/on-the-highway/id1683229825 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c6tmaGEe8TeWpuegaJsjO?si=cbd418e05902427d Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://www.listreports.com/sign-up-free-idp?ref=highwayai_podcast

Listen as Scott Brixen breaks down the latest Case-Shiller home price data and explains why it’s considered the gold standard for measuring home price appreciation. He touches on emerging shifts in the market, why the national headlines don’t tell the whole story, and what the latest trends could signal as we head into 2026. Subscribe Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/on-the-highway/id1683229825 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c6tmaGEe8TeWpuegaJsjO?si=cbd418e05902427d Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://www.listreports.com/sign-up-free-idp?ref=highwayai_podcast

Pending Home Sales and home price gains came in stronger than expected, while unemployment claims fell below forecasts. Read more: https://www.highway.ai/blog/january-5-2026-mortgage-market-news Subscribe Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/on-the-highway/id1683229825 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c6tmaGEe8TeWpuegaJsjO?si=cbd418e05902427d Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://www.listreports.com/sign-up-free-idp?ref=highwayai_podcast

Delayed government data shows the economy grew faster than expected in Q3, while the gig economy continues to influence unemployment claims. Here’s a look at the key highlights. • Q3 GDP Surges Past Forecasts • Claims Data Reflects Seasonal and Gig Economy Trends Subscribe Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/on-the-highway/id1683229825 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c6tmaGEe8TeWpuegaJsjO?si=cbd418e05902427d Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://www.listreports.com/sign-up-free-idp?ref=highwayai_podcast

Delayed government data showed inflation cooled more than forecasted, while the job market showed signs of softening. In housing news, sales ticked higher as inventory declined. Here’s a look at the key highlights. • Inflation Comes in Well Below Expectations • Delayed Jobs Reports Highlights Labor Market Weakness • Existing Home Sales Edge Higher • December Sees Slight Uptick in Builder Confidence Subscribe Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/on-the-highway/id1683229825 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c6tmaGEe8TeWpuegaJsjO?si=cbd418e05902427d Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://www.listreports.com/sign-up-free-idp?ref=highwayai_podcast

The Fed just cut rates again, but the bigger story may be who’s sitting at the table in 2026. On this episode, we explore what the latest Fed decision and upcoming committee shifts could mean for interest rates next year. Learn more: https://www.highway.ai/blog/the-feds-dovish-shift-in-2026 Subscribe Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/on-the-highway/id1683229825 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c6tmaGEe8TeWpuegaJsjO?si=cbd418e05902427d Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://www.listreports.com/sign-up-free-idp?ref=highwayai_podcast

The Fed announced its third rate cut of the year, while more labor data pointed to underlying softness in the job market. Here’s a look at the key highlights. • Fed Delivers Third Rate Cut as Policymakers Split • Job Openings Tick Higher, Yet Underlying Weakness Persists • Claims Data Skewed by Holidays and Benefit Expirations Subscribe Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/on-the-highway/id1683229825 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c6tmaGEe8TeWpuegaJsjO?si=cbd418e05902427d Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://www.listreports.com/sign-up-free-idp?ref=highwayai_podcast

The MBS Highway National Housing Index rose 3 points in December 2025 to 27. A year ago, the index stood at 32. Lower mortgage rates have yet to significantly boost transaction activity, but should provide a tailwind as the seasonal upswing gets going in January. Read the full index: https://www.highway.ai/blog/december-2025-mbs-highway-housing-index Subscribe Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/on-the-highway/id1683229825 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c6tmaGEe8TeWpuegaJsjO?si=cbd418e05902427d Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://www.listreports.com/sign-up-free-idp?ref=highwayai_podcast

More labor sector data is pointing to growing softness in the job market, while the latest inflation figures came in largely as expected. Here’s a look at the key highlights. * Small Businesses Drive a Sharp Drop in Private Payrolls * Additional Indicators Signal a Softer Job Market * PCE Inflation Data Points to Possible Rate Cut Subscribe Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/on-the-highway/id1683229825 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c6tmaGEe8TeWpuegaJsjO?si=cbd418e05902427d Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://www.listreports.com/sign-up-free-idp?ref=highwayai_podcast

Listen to the 2026 business planning workshop with Tim Braheem and Highway designed to help you build a clear, actionable plan for the year ahead. Learn the exact framework top producers use to plan their year, stay disciplined and achieve breakthrough results. ‍Tim’s step-by-step approach focuses on clarity, discipline and execution. You’ll walk through: • Setting smart goals with purpose • Creating granular action plans • Mastering the 8 disciplines of origination mastery • Designing your environment for success This is the session that helps top producers turn intention into action. Get ready to walk away with clarity, momentum and a 2026 plan built for serious results. Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://www.listreports.com/sign-up-free-idp?ref=highwayai_freetrial

In today’s episode, Tori Fortino explains why a simple 5–10 minute morning market update can transform your professionalism. When you understand what’s happening in the financial and mortgage markets, you show up better, more confident, and ready to provide real value to your clients. Try MBS Highway free for 14 days: https://hubs.la/Q03Vgnc50

What if every agent you met saw you as a marketing expert, not just a lender? In this webinar, The Loan Atlas team will show you how to use ListReports to provide real value and build stronger, more productive agent relationships – all using tools already at your fingertips. You’ll walk away with: • Strategies to identify agent opportunities fast • One-click open house flyers, sign-ins, and lead capture forms that make • agents look polished with zero extra work • Follow-up scripts to turn every report into a conversation starter that agents can copy and paste • Market snapshots and tools to help agents reconnect with past or farm new clients Sign up for The Loan Atlas: https://checkout.theloanatlas.com/loan-atlas-premium-member-listreports/

In this episode, Diana Bajramovic explains why it’s often wiser for customers to act now rather than wait for a lower rate to purchase their home.

In today’s episode, Megan Anderson explores how shifting mobility trends and years of pent-up housing demand could reshape opportunities in the mortgage industry.

Stop Chasing Cold Leads – Start Owning Your Past Clients Tired of past clients forgetting your name and Realtors gravitating toward whichever loan officer is giving them attention this week? You’re not alone. But there’s a better way. Learn how top producers Josh Mettle, Scott DiGregorio and Daryn Fillis have built high-referral businesses using Home Report – a powerful tool that sends monthly, cobranded home finance reports to your clients with you and your Realtor partner front and center. Home Report helps you: • Stay top of mind with past clients – automatically • Keep your Realtor partners visible and engaged • Position yourself as a long-term financial guide – not just a transaction In this free training, you’ll learn exactly how to use Home Report at the point of sale and beyond to create loyal clients, “sticky” Realtor relationships, and a steady stream of warm leads. Choose your option to get started! • The Loan Atlas + Home Report: https://checkout.theloanatlas.com/premium-membership-home-report/ • Home Report only: https://www.highway.ai/presentations/the-loan-atlas •CMA only: use code TLA: https://becomecma.com/

In today’s episode, Megan Anderson breaks down how loan officers can navigate client communication during times of uncertainty, such as a government shutdown. She shares practical ways to stay informed, lead with confidence, and provide clarity when the market feels uncertain. Listeners will learn how small moments of guidance can strengthen trust and set them apart as true advisors.

Listen as Barry Habib, Tim Braheem, and top industry experts discuss strategies and tactics in this high-impact webinar designed to help you capture today’s refinance opportunities. You’ll learn how to position yourself as the go-to advisor in a shifting rate market. Download the “Marry the Home, Date the Rate” slide shared during the webinar: https://3775999.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3775999/10-year%20treasury.png Sign up for The Loan Atlas: https://go.theloanatlas.com/membership-cma-refi-masterplan-tim-mbs Schedule a consultation with The Loan Atlas: https://go.theloanatlas.com/book-a-consultation

In today’s episode, Megan Anderson explores how AI is transforming the way loan officers approach content creation. She breaks down simple strategies to stay consistent on social media without spending hours behind the camera. Listeners will learn how these tools can free up time while helping them show up as trusted experts in their market. Megan's AI Avatar: https://vimeo.com/1121293510/a59c4479a5?share=copy Learn more about CMA: https://becomecma.com/